Round 1 - Pick 5 - Detroit Pistons

[TheTwoWallaces]

With the 5th pick in the 2031 draft, the Detroit Pistons select






Mojave King from New Zealand

Strengths
-three level scorer with handles
-not afraid to dunk over defenders and draw contact
-stays in front of his man
-picks pockets and avoids fouls

Weaknesses
-passing
-mediocre BBIQ
-avoids the offensive glass

With their highest draft pick since selecting Kaiser Gates 5th overall in 2023, the Pistons Front Office have drafted 21-year old 6'5 195 pound Mojave King from New Zealand. Pistons scouts were high on King's natural scoring touch, especially with what scouts deemed his special ability to drive to the basket and elevate above the rim. Even if he's kept out of the paint, King is capable of pulling up from most areas of the court, though shooting will unlikely be how he earns his bread. King has all the makings of a score-first guard who will show up every night and give it his all. The Pistons front office hope he can bring some much needed life to their putrid offense. Defensively, King has the potential discipline, footwork, and hands to be one of the premier perimeter stoppers in the league. He also does not shy away from the defensive glass and isn't afraid to defend inside when needed.

As for what the pick means for the Pistons, it is clear that recent acquisition Kevin Porter was likely picked up in order to give King the mentorship and breathing room needed to reach his potential. Last season the Pistons were without a reliable off-ball guard, a problem they hope the combination of Porter and King can solve.

NBA comparison: Vince Carter
CSL comparison: Troy Brown

[Flaming Homer]

I had him a little later on my board but Kyrus liked him a lot in his mock and there is definetely enough talent to justify that.

[Marcos_Beck]

Nice pick!
Love him!!!!

[thecoolestjedi]

Im he was liked a lot to go 2 in the mock draft but I never scouted him, it seemed he was a late riser for people, never myself saw what he could do, so interested in his career

[Ramcus]

Didn't scout him, but the general consensus seems to be that he's a great two-way player with star upside. A floor of a 3&D guy, which is always useful, but a ceiling of a star combo guard.

[GreenBear]

Great pick. He's a very aggressive 2-way player that can do a ton of things well and will fit in really well in Detroit (who loves their defense but was missing the offense).

[KW]

First off, Mojave King has a really dope name.

King comes into the CSL ready to contribute as a defender and shooter, while showing a ton of promise as a driver but not quite there yet. Should he figure it all out, he'd be great at attacking the basket and a very complete scorer. Definitely has a chance to be an elite weapon on a Pistons team devoid of scoring options.

[WillyJakkz]

Star name star talent.

From what I recall from the 1st period scouting he has a sneaky good chance of being the best player in the draft.

[bt]

Great pick.

Everyone loves 2-way players so he'll have the Detroit defense but provide some much needed offense also.

[rh0xxy]

Great two way player. Could be a perfect combo pair with Krejci. Nice pick.

[hardenwithnod]

Seems like a nice 2 way guard with good upside. If he can hit hits potential and get a +10, then he will be very scary.

[mgtr81]

The comparison with Brown is pretty spot on, based on potentials. I'd say slightly better on offense due to better three-point shot and slightly worse on defense. Certainly a good basketball player.

[andrei]

Strong inside/out game. A player who has potential to be impressive dunker and hit some tough threes also. His Handling is excellent and he will be an aggressive scorer. I like his defensive ability as well and he has an underrated ability to get to the line. Strong pick for the Pistons.